Real Madrid achieved a vital victory against Rayo Vallecano in a match that left much to discuss. With an eye on LaLiga, Carlo Ancelotti's team secured three key points to stay in the fight for the championship. Paolo Maldini's analysis highlighted the possible absences for the next match against Atlético de Madrid at the Metropolitano.
Vinícius's Great Victory
In this match, the spotlight was undeniably on Vinícius Jr. The Brazilian delivered an outstanding performance with a stunning goal, an assist, and several plays that left the fans in awe.
Maldini didn't hesitate to praise him: "This is the Vinícius that Real Madrid needs. I thought he was the best." The journalist's words are strong, as the level shown by Vinícius is among the highest seen at the club in recent years.
The player has once again demonstrated his ability to tip the balance in matches. If he continues at this level, he will be crucial for Real Madrid in the upcoming matches, like on Wednesday at the Metropolitano against Atlético de Madrid.
Tchouaméni, a Key Piece
Another standout was Aurélien Tchouaméni. Maldini, always alert to the players' performance, didn't hold back in his praise for the French midfielder. "I liked him a lot, in the midfield, Madrid can indeed get more out of him," he noted.
The 24-year-old footballer continues to establish himself as a vital piece for Real Madrid. His presence in the midfield is not only about containment but also distribution. If the club manages to harness his full potential, Tchouaméni will be an essential player in the white midfield.
Modric, an Unexpected Return
However, Maldini's analysis also had a surprise. Although Luka Modric was among the standouts against Rayo Vallecano, the journalist doesn't believe the Croatian will be a starter in the Madrid classic. "He played well, but when he plays, it's in less significant matches; it's normal that in the return against Atlético de Madrid, he won't be a starter," he stated firmly.
Despite his recent good performance, Modric might be left out of the starting eleven on Wednesday, something many fans didn't expect. The veteran midfielder's future is uncertain, but his quality keeps him as a key player, though not necessarily a starter.
Criticism of Madrid's Play
Meanwhile, Maldini wasn't as generous in his analysis of Real Madrid's play. Despite the victory, the journalist was critical of the quality of soccer displayed by the white team. "Madrid didn't play a good match; they ended up asking for the time, the match ended with whistles from the stands," he commented.
For him, the key to the triumph was the quality of the decisive players, like Vinícius, rather than the dominance of the game itself. It's true that Real Madrid ended up suffering more than necessary to take the three points.